About Freesia Alba

Botanical Classification

• There are three known species of freesia according to the USDA: Freesia alba, Freesia corymbosa (known as common freesia) and Freesia laxa (frequently called false freesia). All three species belong to the genus Freesia Eckl. ex Klatt and to the Iridaceae or iris family of plants. Freesia alba is classified as a perennial herb and as a monocot. According to the University of California Berkley, it carries the monocot distinction, for among other reasons, for a single cotyledon in its seed embryo, a single hole or furrow in the pollen, major leaf veins that run parallel to the leaf margins and flower parts that appear in multiples of three.

Growing Climate

• Freesia alba grows as a cool season perennial in its native South Africa, however, it is winter hardy only in USDA zones 8b through 10. The corms are planted as annuals beyond the lower hardiness range. To do this the corms are put into the ground in the spring after the last hard frost, allowed to grow and bloom and then are removed from the soil in the fall and overwintered indoors. The plants thrive in full sun and will tolerate occasional filtered shade but it can impact bloom performance.

Plant Characteristics

• The plant has long, tapered leaves with tactile crenellations running up and down the entire length of each leaf. The flower stalks, or flower spikes as they are known, are round and firm, growing in an upright habit. Near the end of the spike multiple flowers will form, typically four to six, but it can be as many as eight or as few as two depending on the cultivar of F. alba being grown. The plant foliage and stems are a mid-tone green, but the leaves can darken slightly as they mature.

Flowers

• The flowers of Freesia alba in its pure species form are primarily white with a golden yellow eye or center throat at the base of the petals. They are known for their pronounced sweet fragrance. Each flower takes the form of a trumpet or flared cone and sits upright on the stem. There are typically several flowers that form in a line near the tip of the upright stem and open in a cascade from lowest bud to highest. Freesia alba has been bred with the other two species and other cultivars to develop a wide range of flower colors and even double petal varieties. Extensive breeding of F. alba has been done to suit the tastes of home gardeners and to provide options for the cut flower industry. It is also a favored breeding stock for its scent characteristics that are prized by freesia lovers.